Fearnley’s impressive performance followed his first ATP Challenger title at the Rothesay Open Nottingham in the summer after graduating from Texas Christian University (TCU).
His results – including a first Grand Slam win over Alejandro Moro Canas on Tuesday – is set to propel him through the rankings to just outside the top 200.
“I hadn’t had the chance to see him play,” admitted Djokovic. “Just two days ago I saw him play for the first time, so there’s obviously always an element of surprise.
“It’s been a very windy day, but I thought he served very well. It was very difficult to break his serve; he definitely made me work.
“I was probably lucky in the fourth to not go a break down. Maybe I could have won the match in three, but I think all in all this match potentially deserved to go into the fifth the way we both played; the way he played. But I’m very glad it didn’t.
“Today, Jacob played at a high level, and he made me earn this victory.”
The Brit, who beat world No.1 Jannik Sinner and reigning Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz in juniors, looked like a player built and ready for the big occasion as he broke Djokovic twice in the third to cause the seven-time champion to lose his first set of the tournament.
Facing arguably the greatest player of all-time Fearnley’s aggressive style was causing Djokovic all sorts of problems but in the end, it was the experience in the big moments that saw the Serbian through.
At 5-5 facing break point, a devastating double fault from Fearnley gave the world No.2 the opportunity to serve out the match, which he managed with comfort.
Speaking in his press coference after the match, Fearnley added: “I’m really proud of my effort. Obviously a little bit disappointed to come up with a loss, but I was playing the greatest tennis player of all time on Centre Court, Wimbledon, so it’s very difficult to be too disappointed.
“I was just super grateful to have the opportunity to play on that court against that opponent. Yeah, I think proud is how I’m feeling right now.
“It’s just the start. I’ve been out of college for a bit over a month. There’s a lot still in the future. I think myself and everyone on my team is well aware of that.”
The Championships, Wimbledon results & updates
Get all the latest results and updates from the British players competing at The Championships, Wimbledon between 24 June- 14 July.
Latest results
Sophie Anderson, a UK-based writer, is your guide to the latest trends, viral sensations, and internet phenomena. With a finger on the pulse of digital culture, she explores what’s trending across social media and pop culture, keeping readers in the know about the latest online sensations.
